I like BOGOs. Every Thursday morning I drop by my neighborhood Publix grocery and pick up their ad. After lunch I plan my weekly menu around their special promotions. Then I check through my coupons to see if something matches a BOGO. On my shopping list, I star those items. Before leaving for the store, I check my pantry to make sure I don’t already have two or three of any items on my list. This is a very important step. I don’t want to buy two more jars of pickle relish if I have four. (I had to learn this the hard way!)
Once inside the store, I read the expiration dates on the BOGOs I might not use quickly. For example, mayonnaise isn’t much of a fast mover at our house. On the other hand, cookies disappear quickly. Meats like chicken, bacon, and hot dogs can be frozen for later use. Canned goods have a long shelf life. One product I know I will always use is Multi-Grain Cheerios. It’s a healthy, low-calorie cereal that is almost always on sale. I’m ecstatic if dog food is a BOGO. Might as well stock up for the family pet.
BOGOs encourage me to experiment with new foods. Sometimes it’s kind of scary to purchase two of something you’ve never tasted. This year I’ve been introduced to Califia Farms creamers, and Good Thins crackers. If this is a ploy to interest customers in new products, they caught me. Only once did I buy something I didn’t like, and my brother was happy to take it off my hands. In addition, some Publix brand products taste comparable to name brands. Recently I discovered the store brand healthy request soups taste comparable to Campbells.
I reached a shopping zenith during the week of Memorial Day. Between BOGOs and coupons I saved $81.09. I was absolutely giddy as I inserted my credit card into the payment kiosk. On my way out the door I flaunted my receipt to the assistant manager. He looked surprised, but smiled and congratulated me. He probably thought I was bordering fanaticism.
I’ll admit I don’t always save as much as I did on May 28, but I’m succeeding to hold my own as food prices rise. Some people say they pay less for food elsewhere, but do they enjoy the experience of shopping as much? Is the store clean? Is customer service offered? I appreciate someone ringing up and bagging my groceries. I enjoy chatting with the young people who help me load the car. Forgive me if I sound like a commercial, but Publix has spoiled me. It’s the store where “shopping is a pleasure.”
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